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Lithium battery chemistries enabled by solid-state electrolytes

Abstract

Solid-state electrolytes are attracting increasing interest for electrochemical energy storage technologies. In this Review, we provide a background overview and discuss the state of the art, ion-transport mechanisms and fundamental properties of solid-state electrolyte materials of interest for energy storage applications. We focus on recent advances in various classes of battery chemistries and systems that are enabled by solid electrolytes, including all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries and emerging solid-electrolyte lithium batteries that feature cathodes with liquid or gaseous active materials (for example, lithium–air, lithium–sulfur and lithium–bromine systems). A low-cost, safe, aqueous electrochemical energy storage concept with a ‘mediator-ion’ solid electrolyte is also discussed. Advanced battery systems based on solid electrolytes would revitalize the rechargeable battery field because of their safety, excellent stability, long cycle lives and low cost. However, great effort will be needed to implement solid-electrolyte batteries as viable energy storage systems. In this context, we discuss the main issues that must be addressed, such as achieving acceptable ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability and mechanical properties of the solid electrolytes, as well as a compatible electrolyte/electrode interface.

Wang, L., Wang, Y. G. & Xia, Y. Y.A high performance lithium-ion sulfur battery based on a Li2S cathode using a dual-phase electrolyte. Energy Environ. Sci.8, 1551–1558 (2015). This paper is the first report of the feasibility of using a dual-phase electrolyte in a lithium–sulfur battery separated by a LISICON-type solid electrolyte.

Li, L. & Manthiram, A.Long-life, high-voltage acidic Zn–air batteriesAdv. Energy Mater.6, 1502054 (2015). This paper demonstrates a new approach for the development of zinc–air batteries with a mediator-ion solid electrolyte that enables an alkaline Zn/Zn(OH)42− redox reaction at the anode side, and an acidic oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction at the cathode side.